Investing in a new customer relationship management software, or replacing a long-used CRM system, can be a massive upheaval for any organisation.
Successful Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 adoption hinges on a number of criteria and best practices, which as a CIO you can instill within your company with a bit of planning. Without a strategy, you will find it very difficult to ensure user adoption and backing from key stakeholders.
The 2016 version of Dynamics CRM is worth all this effort. You can discover all the new features in our blog entitled ‘What's New About Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016’ but for now here are some tips that will help you achieve true adoption and maximise the impact of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 on your business:
- Justify the reason behind the migration by setting business-focused goals for the new CRM software and the team using it.
- Ensure that these goals are specific and relevant, and something that staff can get excited about.
- If possible, make the upgrade a migrated one. This way you don’t have to take the unnecessary step of importing media onto current servers. Users can be shifted to the upgraded system without having to wait during the period of straightening out kinks and fixing bugs.
- Introduce the features gradually without compromising day-to-day efficiency.
- Empower the users with on-screen guidance so that they develop the confidence to explore on their own.
- Employ an external consultant that is contactable via email or Skype. This is a great way to quickly answer any user doubts and mentor them. If employees do not have the confidence that there is a safety net to fall back upon they will continue to be apprehensive of the CRM instead of appreciating it.
- Create incentives that can drive adoption, like a bonus for using features that improve target hit rates.
- Check progress every day. By using a simple plug-in like Screencastify, Microsoft CRM administrators and the migration team can identify potential stumbling blocks for new users. Make sure that these issues do not crop up by creating custom WalkThrus around these topics.
- If using Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 on premise, appoint an IT team to take care of daily operations. Employees should always be able to access a system that is functioning at full capacity.
- Constantly assess how the CRM is working for your organisation. Set up meetings to discuss this and whether it is achieving your objectives.
Crimson is a Microsoft Gold Partner that specialises in Dynamics CRM solutions. The company is also one of a handful of global partners that sits on Microsoft Partner Advisory Counsel. If you would like any guidance about Microsoft Dynamics CRM please call 01675 466 477 or book a free discovery call.
Crimson is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM partner, an IT solutions provider, an IT recruitment agency, and a Microsoft Gold Partner with offices in Birmingham.